University News Last updated 11 July 2011
A student assignment has spiralled into one of the biggest public arts projects in Birmingham.
Katie Moran, an MA Events & Exhibition Management student at Birmingham City University, has established an open air gallery in Hill Street, near to New Street station as part of her course. She has formed an organisation called Regenerated, and with support from Network Rail, has created Birmingham’s largest outdoor art installation on a previously bare, uninspiring wall covered in green mould.
After an approach from Katie and Birmingham City Council, Network Rail agreed to help local artists and students from King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy to transform the space into a showcase for local artistic talent. The artists and students were briefed to create work inspired by the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station and focus on the themes of movement, regeneration and the reflection of the stunning stainless façade which will wrap around the redeveloped station. The art will be displayed for the next 18 months until the completion of the first phase of the New Street redevelopment at the end of 2012 when a new station entrance will open on Hill St.
Katie Moran said: “Birmingham has a fantastic wealth of artistic talent and Network Rail has given us a great opportunity to showcase this. By supporting Regenerated in this project, Network Rail is not only engaging local communities in the redevelopment of New Street station, but is also contributing to the image of Birmingham as a vibrant, creative and inspiring city.”
In order to concentrate on the project, Katie has taken a break from her studies; over the next couple of months she will be writing up the project in order to complete her MA.
Councillor Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council commented: “The redevelopment of Birmingham New Street will not only produce a world class station, it will also have a huge impact in transforming the environment around Hill Street and the south side of the station. In the meantime, we’re delighted that Regenerated, with help from Network Rail, has been able to produce what will be a fantastic asset to the city’s cultural scene.”
Peige Smith, a student at King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy, said: “I have really enjoyed working on the project, especially working with the artists, as they helped to develop our original design and I’m pleased with the work we’ve completed. I’m excited to have had this opportunity and would love to have the chance to work on a project like this again.”